CNN Market Place Middle East

SHOW #112

IN FOCUS: FROM SAND TO SILICON

Abu Dhabi's economy like many of its Gulf neighbours is quickly rising from the desert sands witha vast surplus of petrodollars filling its sails.

But unlike other regional players - it is going down different development path. This week MME takes a look at how the capital is diversifying away from oil and looking towards the high tech sector.

FACETIME: BEN SIMPFENDORFER, AUTHOR, THE NEW SILK ROAD

As Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao headed to Egypt to bolster economic and political ties with the Middle East and Africa, MME sits down with with Ben Simpfendorfer, Author of ‘The New Silk Road’ to take a look at the re-emergingties between Asia and the Middle East. The historic trade route that stretched from China to the Middle Eastis coming back to life andnow includes some of the world's largest oil producers and wealthiest investors.